ORS 339-020-000 CE

The Rules define Continuing Education (CE) as "participation in courses, classes, workshops, and other means for the purpose of developing and updating professional skills to provide appropriate occupational therapy services."

Be sure to have certificates for all your CE so you have them if you are audited. Keep all CE for a minimum of 4 years.

CE POINTS REQUIRED

The current rules require 30 points of CE for all applicants, obtained within the last two years.

The exceptions are as follows:

A first time applicant who has just pass their NBCOT exam is not required to show CE points for the first year.

An applicant who has been licensed for less than two years, but over one year, is required to show 15 points of CE.

An applicant by endorsement, from another state, must show they have 30 points of CE when they apply for an Oregon license if they have been licensed for three years or more. If licensed only for two years, you must show you have 15 points and if you have been licensed for less than one year you do not need to show CE.

Here is the rule for current licensees:

339-020-0010 CE Requirements for Current Licensees

(1) All current licensees shall obtain a minimum of 30 points of CE from Board approved categories during the two years immediately preceding the date of the license renewal; or

(2) The Board recognizes the maintenances of continuous professional development hours as evidenced by current NBCOT Certification (National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy) as fulfilling the requirements for CE under (1).

(3) Exceptions:

(a) Current licensees who have their first NBCOT certifcation do not need CE for their first year.

(b) Current licensees who have their second year of NBCOT certification shall obtain a minimum of 15 points of CE from Board approved categories.

There is also a one time Pain Management CE requirement (see section below).

For applicants for licensure the rules now required the following:

339-010-0016 CE Requirements for Applicants for Licensure(1) All applicants for licensure who have passed the NBCOT certification examination and have been unlicensed for up to three years will need 15 points of board approved continuing education a year prior to becoming licensed in Oregon. (2) All applicants for licensure who have passed the NBCOT certification examination more than a one year ago and have been unlicensed for more than three years will: (a) successfully complete a Board approved Re-Entry Program specifically designed for occupational therapists preparing them for re-entry into the field of occupational therapy; or (b) successfully retake and pass the NBCOT examination within the previous year. (3) The Board has the discretion to waive requirement for license application requirements.

A person has not been licensed for more than three years must either retake the NBCOT exam - for this contact the Director for a form that must be faxed to NBCOT. The other option is to go through a Board approved ReEntry program found at :

C E CATEGORIES & POINTS

Licensees are obliged to complete their license renewal applications and sign a statement that they have completed a minimum of 30 CE points from Board approved categories. A licensee renewing their license is exempt from CE requirements only if they have been licensed for less than a full year. If the licensee has been licensed for only one year they must sign a statement that they have completed a minimum of 15 CE points from Board approved categories.

The CATEGORIES AND POINTS on CE FOLLOW.

NOTE: Be sure to check the new one time requirement for PAIN CE below.

DIV 20 Administrative Rules 339-020-0020 CE Categories and Points

These numbers refer to a two year total of 30 points. Credit for CE shall be calculated on a point basis in the following categories and must relate to occupational therapy services. It is the responsibility of the licensee to demonstrate how specific classes contribute to the development of the occupational therapy skills. “Application to OT Services” (CE Log) must be included for credit. Unless stated otherwise, one point equals one contact hour. Sixteen to 30 required CE points must come from categories 1-11. A limit of 14 of the required CE points may be accrued from categories 12-18.

(1) Attendance at university, college or vocational technical adult education courses at or above practice level: Four points per credit hour. Documentation of successful completion required. (2) Attendance at seminars, workshops, or institutes: One point per direct hour of content. (3) Completion of educational telecommunication network or on-line courses: Points as awarded by certificate or per credit, see (1). Certificate of successful completion required. (4) Attendance at educational sessions relating to occupational therapy sponsored by OTAO, AOTA, AOTA approved providers, and NBCOT or professional academic institutions relating to occupational therapy: One point per hour of attendance. Certificate of attendance required. (5) Satisfactory completion of American Occupational Therapy Association approved courses/materials or courses/materials offered by AOTA approved providers: Points per certificate on completion. Documentation of satisfactory completion required. (6) Publication – Copy of publications required. (a) Publication of article in non-peer reviewed publication (e.g. OT Practice, SIS Quarterly, Advance, etc.): Five points per article. (b) Publication of article in peer-reviewed professional publication (e.g. journals, book chapter, research paper): Ten points per article. (c) Publication of chapter(s) in occupational therapy or related textbook: Ten points per chapter. (7) Professional presentation (person presenting): Presentation must be at practice level for credit, e.g. CNA training would not be acceptable: Two points per hour with no additional points for subsequent presentation of same content. Course outline must be provided. (8) Development of alternative media (computer software, video or audio tapes): Three points/hr of finished product. Outline required. (9) Completing requirements for occupational therapy specialty certification (initial or recertification one time only for each specialty): 12 points. Copy of certificate required. (10) Research, provided an abstract of the research is retained to prove participation: Principal – Eight points. Associate – Six points. (11) Development and implementation of a school approved Level II student program (one time only and completed within a year): Four points. Copy of program must be provided. (12) In-service training: One point per hour of attendance. (13) Attendance at videotaped presentations of educational courses, seminars, workshops or institutes (group viewing with discussion): One-half point per direct hour of viewing with additional points for discussion, not to exceed seven points. (14) Student supervision, Level I Fieldwork: One point for 8 hours of supervision. (15) Student supervision, Level II Fieldwork: One point for 8 hours of supervision.(16) Mentoring; as defined in OAR-339-010-0005(5): One point for every eight hours contract mentoring with documentation. Points may be obtained for both the mentor and the mentee. (17) Professional leadership on a Board or Commission relating to OT – Volunteer services to organizations, populations, and individuals that advance the reliance on and use of one’s occupational therapy skills and experiences to the volunteer setting or experience: 10 hours equal two points. Up to four points a year with documentation. (18) Re-Entry Supervisors: Therapists providing supervision under OAR 339-010-0016: One point for 8 hours.

The Board randomly selects to audit a percentage of the logs, to determine whether courses relate to CE as defined in OAR 339-020-000 — that the course "develops and updates professional skills".

The Board does not allow credit for CPR, for workshops on time management, Day Planners, Time Quests, etc. (unless it can be demonstrated that they would fit the CE definition), performance appraisal workshops, courses that are part of the basic OT and/or OT Assistant degree curriculum, etc. Some CE entries that have required additional information are "Diabetes Education", "Nutritional Management", massage classes, PPS , "Safety In-service", "Environment of Care", etc. The classes must relate to OT practice, and the CE Log must provide enough information to support the relationship.

Licensees may be required to mail in a CE log listing the courses completed, the presenter, the CE categories, dates of attendance and number of CE points with the Certificate if they are audited. Only a percentage of the CE logs are audited, but everyone is obligated to keep CE records and make them available to the Board on request. Records must be kept for a minimum of four years.

COURSES COMING UP some FREE

Some of these classes are FREE(Note: See section below on Pain Management CE)

In order to provide a service to applicants and occupational therapists the board will give information on some upcoming CE events. We try to let you know of any free events that are coming up. Always confirm with the facility putting on the event.

American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA)

Oregon Occupational Therapy Association: For events and CE put on by your state Association go to their web site at www.otao.com The OTAO Annual Conference is held in October.

You can find listings by going to: www.otao.com and clicking on: Calendar.

Graduate Courses at Pacific UniversityOccupational Therapists may be interested in the following interdisciplinary courses offered by the College of Health Professions, Pacific University. Courses qualify for CE credit. Check with Pacific about their Certificate ProgramClasses may be taken individually or each course taken may be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology for Healthcare Providers. Classes are 100% On-line – never attend an actual site. Please confirm the cost with Pacific for this 45 hours of continuing education. Health Disparity in Aging (3 credits/7 weeks)Evidence Based Practice (3 credits/7 weeks)

Masters in Health AdministrationClasses may be taken individually or can be applied toward a MHA degree. All classes are blended, meaning that each includes an onsite and online component, with in-class sessions held on Friday evenings and all day on Saturdays at Pacific University, Hillsboro campus. Price per credit is $738. The onsite dates for each course are:

FREE: Artz Center for Developmental Health & Audiology formally the Hearing and Speech Institute, 2010 Brown Bag Series from 12:00 – 2:00 the fourth or fifth Wed. of each month (please check website to confirm dates: www.artzcenter.org ) Specific topics are on: http://artzcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/Brown-Bag-Schedule-20112.pdf , and include Transition programs, Pediatric Audiology, Practice Based Evidence, Healthcare Reform, and Qigong. Presentations are open to colleagues in the community in their conference room at the clinic at 1675 SW Marlow Ave. Suite 200 Portland 503-228-6479.

FREE: Home Instead Senior Care in cooperation with the American Society on Aging sometime offers free Continuing Education Units on Aging-related topics that can be completed either live on the date scheduled or for up to 60 days later as pre-recorded webinars. These are free, which is of obvious benefit to many licensed professionals and their employers. Classes are AOTA approved: http://www.restartliving.org/index.php

FREE:Until July 19: 12 hrs CE. National Council on Aging is offering a FREE online diabetes workshop. Participants log into the workshop from their own computer for just 2 hours a week over 6 weeks. They receive a FREE workbook plus online resources to help them live healthier. Seats are limited so sign up now. ​http://www.restartliving.org/diabetes.php

Providence Rehabilitation Continuing Education: A wide range of continuing education classes are available to all physical and occupational therapists. We’d love to have you attend. You need to check if there is a charge.

CE AUDITS

A random number of licensees are picked for CE audit each renewal period. Send in the log form and documentation only IF you are being audited. It will clearly state on the renewal form that you are being audited.

CE LOG FORM

ADVICE ON CE POINTS

Information about filling in your CE log form and getting CE approvedHERE ARE TIPS FOR YOU on CE and Renewals

Keep the Board informed of changes to your contact information. We spend a lot of time on undeliverable letters and tracking down licensees to determine whether they wish to renew. It takes an inordinate amount of time which could be spent more effectively on other matters.

If your name changes, send in a copy of the legal document showing the name change along with any changes to address, phone, or e-mail in writing. We will be more efficient without having to ask for documentation during the busiest time of the year.

Complete the entire form. There were over 100 renewals either without the signature, without questions answered, without the number of CE points, without the check, or without the form included. There is a reason for all the questions and the signature and date are required.

You must have your required 30 points of CEby or before May 1st when you renew! Do not leave it until the last minute.

If you have over the required 30 points in the last licensing period and obtained it in March, April or May of 2014, you can use these points for the next renewal period in 2016. You cannot use CE from March, April, May 2014 twice, so if you used these CE points for the 2014 renewal, you cannot use them now.

Here is a list of the problems that came up:

CE must be related to OT practice and be at practice level: The following facility health related in-services are not approved: HIV/AIDS, incontinence, patient bowel and bladder needs, in-patient training protocols and restraint training, and emergency procedures. More information was needed for approval of Functional Independence Measurement training (too basic), Journal Club on Bone Density, and insurance reimbursement.

Management: The Board recognizes that enhancing professional skills, although not clinically based in terms of patient care, demands more in terms of management so the Board approved some of the points for educational management courses. Medicare training may be approved depending on documentation and how it related to OT. Recently the board approved workers compensation classes on changes to Independent Medical Examinations and impairment findings for workers compensation claims.

Documentation: Documented in-services might not be approved. Insurance reimbursement was not approved. For in-services make sure you keep track of the information needed in the log form, the date, who provided it, and how it specifically related to OT at the practice level. If your facility does not do this then you must obtain the documentation. Since you do not know ahead of time if you will be audited it is prudent for you to keep records in a file if you plan to use them for CE and are audited.

CE for an in-service given by an OT Assistant at a facility on testing was not approved for an OT. Why? The OT Assistant's scope of practice in gather testing information and the in-service on this may be appropriate CE for an OT Assistant. However, an OT cannot get CE for the Assistant's in-service since it is not at practice level for the OT. The OT Assistant cannot interpret data since this would be beyond the OT Assistant’s scope of practice.

If you are audited you must send in the log form and the certificates: It is a random audit. Keep track of this information. The members of the Board are volunteering their time doing these reviews. The log form helps organize what kind of credit to give for CE and improperly filled forms or missing certificates increases the work at the busiest time of the year. It also delays issuing renewals on time. Yours is just one of many renewals the Board is dealing with. Keeping problems at a minimum means we can deal with the most important issues quickly, and get the last minute licenses issued before they lapse.

Also in filling out the log keep in mind:

- fill out the information in chronological order - keep it legible - include documentation, especially for facility in-services - include evidence of student internship (e.g. copy of first page only of AOTA student evaluation with student scoring and comments removed) - If you have doubt whether something qualified for CE contact the Board prior to registering for the course; don't wait until CE is due !

The good news is that most of you have more than the required 30 points. There were about fifty renewals that had over 60 CE points in the last renewals.

Finally, waivers or extensions to CE requirements for “physical disability or illness, or undue hardship” must be in writing two months prior to license expiration which is March 31, 2014!

You are required by rule to keep your CE information for four years. Contact us if you have questions.

NO PRE-APPROVAL OF CE

The Board does not pre-approve CE. Licensees should look to the CE definition and determine whether the courses relate to OT practice and be prepared to demonstrate how the credit relates if requested.

You will have no problem if your continuing education comes from educational sessions relating to occupational therapy sponsored by OTAO, AOTA, AOTA approved providers, and NBCOT or professional academic institutions relating to occupational therapy. You can receive one point per hour of attendance, with documentation.

WAIVERS EXTENTIONS for CE

The Board may, in individual cases involving physical disability or illness, or undue hardship, grant waivers of the minimum CE requirements or extensions of time within which to fulfill the same or make required reports. Applications for waivers shall be made to the Board in writing at least two months prior to license expiration. If you are requesting a waiver for medical reasons, you must provide letter from treating physician. Some requests approved by the Board:

TWO- YEAR LICENSES

Licensees will have two-years within which to obtain 30 points of CEThe Board now issues two-year licenses. When licensees renew their license they must show they have 30 CE points in the last two years.

If the licensee obtained more than the required points in the past renewal period, they may use the extra points they earned in March, April and May of the last renewal year for this next renewal period.

A random number of licensees are picked for CE audit each renewal period. Send in the log form and documentation only IF you are being audited. It will clearly state on the renewal form that you are being audited.

MENTORSHIP

Under OAR 339-020-0020(16) in order to receive mentorship CE credit, a written mentorship agreement must be signed by both parties, the mentor and the mentee, including a description of the planned and collaborative experience and the goals to be achieved under the plan. Points may be obtained for both the mentor and the mentee. One point is give for each eight hours of contract mentoring with the documentation.

The definition of mentorship is found under OAR 339-010-0005(5) which states:

339-010-0005 Definitions (see (5) below (1) "Supervision," is a process in which two or more people participate in a joint effort to promote, establish, maintain and/or evaluate a level of performance. The occupational therapist is responsible for the practice outcomes and documentation to accomplish the goals and objectives. Levels of supervision: (a) "Close supervision" requires daily, direct contact in person at the work site; (b) "Routine supervision" requires the supervisor to have direct contact in person at least every two weeks at the work site with interim supervision occurring by other methods, such as telephone or written communication. (c) "General supervision" requires the supervisor to have at least monthly direct contact in person with the supervisee at the work site with supervision available as needed by other methods. (2) "Leisure," as it is used in ORS 675.210(3) means occupational behavior that is developed as part of an individual occupational therapy evaluation and treatment process. This process is goal oriented toward the maximum health of the patient by the interaction of self-care, work and leisure, and is not used as an isolated recreation activity. The use in this way does not include leisure activities as used by therapeutic recreation specialists. (3) "Licensed occupational therapy practitioner," for purposes of these rules, means an individual who holds a current occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant license. (4) "Occupational therapy aide," as it is used in OAR 339-010-0055, means an unlicensed worker who is assigned by the licensed occupational therapy practitioner to perform selected tasks. (5) "Mentorship," as it is used in these rules, is a collaborative experience of direct contact between currently licensed occupational therapy practitioners for the purpose of updating professional skills. Mentorship may include, but is not limited to, mentee observation of the mentor's practice, classroom work, case review and discussion, and review and discussion of professional literature.

If you have questions, e-mail the Director Felicia.M.Holgate@state.or.us or write to the Occupational Therapy Licensing Board, 800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 407, Portland, Oregon 97232 or Fax it to us at 971-673-0226. If you have any questions call the office at 971-673-0198.

OTHER CE LINKS

PAIN MANAGEMENT CE

There is a one-time mandatory 7 hours CE on Pain for new Occupational Therapists due within 2 years of licensure in Oregon.The 2007 legislature passed a bill adding Occupational Therapists to the list of health care professionals that the Pain Management Commission requires to have one time Pain Management CE.

If you have any questions please contact the Board Director, Felicia Holgate by e-mail is best or at 971-673-0198.

339-020-0015One-time requirement for CE on Pain Management

(1) After January, 2008, a one-time requirement of 7 points of CE on Pain Management must be completed as part of the 30 points of CE defined in OAR 339-020-0020.

(2) All currently licensed Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants who renew their license in May, 2010 must complete the one-hour online Oregon Pain Commission class and six additional points of CE on Pain Management. Any classes provided by the Pain Commission will count toward the 7 points. Licensees may use any CE points on Pain Management taken between 2006 and their renewal date in May, 2010.

(3) All new applicants for Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistants must complete the one-time requirement of 7 points of CE on Pain management (including the one online hour offered by the Pain Commission) prior to their next renewal or within two years of license in Oregon, whichever comes later. Stat. Auth.: ORS 675.320 Stats. Implemented; Hist.: OTLB 1-2008, f. 11-25-08, cert. ef. 1-1-09

Occupational Therapists are required to obtain CE in Pain Management as part of their 30 points prior to their renewals, unless they have not been licensed in Oregon for two years - see rule above.

Any classes on the Pain Commission site counts for the Board. This is also where you go for the one-hour free online presentation that is mandatory. At the end it asks you for your profession and your license #, date completed and you print up the certificate (see more instructions below). Anything listed on their web sites will count for this requirement. Be sure to have certificates for the Pain Management.

Some upcoming classes (also check CE COURSES COMING UP above):

Margo Traines offers Pain CE classes for Occupational Therapists. She can be reached margo.traines1@gmail.com. The cost is $10 per CEU with 10% going to the OTAO. You can request the topic(s) you are interested in and the number of CEU's needed. Topic will be sent via email. The CE can also be topic specific (e.g Musculoskeletal Disorders) with information necessary for OT clinical reasoning and problem solving and address treatments and goals specific to OT. The classes include Core concepts for pain management and give Evidence Based Research and AOTA clinical practice guidelines.

More general information about Pain Management:

Keep certificates so you have them if you are audited for CE

Any Pain CE classes on the Pain commission web site count including online classes

This is a one-time requirement.

The 7 hours are included in the required 30 points of CE required for renewals

All new applicant have two years to complete the requirement. WE will check at the next renewal period to confirm the Pain requirement is done.

Pain CE taken as a student does not count - you must be a licensed OT and complete the requirement.

After you complete the requirement send an e-mail to Felicia.M.Holgate@state.or.us giving the name of the class(es) you took, and date completed, as well as date of 1 hour online class

Other information:

The American OT Association also has information on pain management for OT: What can an occupational therapist do?

Teach methods for decreasing the frequency and duration of painful episodes.

Implement therapy interventions that may decrease dependence on or use of pain medications.

Facilitate the development of better function for daily activities at work and home.

Collaborate with the client's team of health care professionals, such as physicians, physical therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists, to determine the best course of treatment and intervention.

Recommend and teach the client how to use adaptive equipment to decrease pain while performing tasks such as reaching, dressing, bathing, and perform household chores.

What can a person with chronic pain do?

Develop and practice a lifestyle based on wellness, which includes plenty of rest, exercise, healthy nutrition, and maintaining a positive attitude.

Practice techniques to decrease the intensity of pain.

Organize a daily routine with personal pain management goals, such as eliminating or modifying activities that use a lot of energy and implementing body mechanics that move the body in ways that are less likely to aggravate pain.

Exercise to increase strength and flexibility and reduce pain.

Practice relaxation techniques that calm the mind and reduce tensions that aggravate pain.

Need more information?Chronic pain is a serious problem that should not go untreated. If you would like to consult an occupational therapist about pain management, practitioners are available through most hospitals, community clinics, and medical centers. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are trained in helping both adults and children with a broad range of physical, developmental, and psychological conditions. Practitioners also help clients in wellness techniques that may prevent injury and disease. Contact your local health officials for more information. Copyright 2002 American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This page may be reproduced and distributed without prior written consent.